Gridiron :football:

Breakout Stars Of 2018

This is a list of relatively young players who I think will breakout into stardom in 2018, at every position, excluding kicker and punter. As long as the player has yet to be named to a Pro-Bowl, they are eligible. (This includes Tyler Lockett, because his Pro-Bowl nods are for returning kicks, not as a wide receiver) Let's begin shall we?

*QUARTERBACK*

Jameis Winston

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 4th Year (Drafted 1st overall in 2015)

• 24 years old

• 2017 Stats - 3,504 Yards, 18 Touchdowns, and 11 Interceptions

• Famous Jameis and the Bucs are nearing the end of their rebuild, after striking gold with a dozen players, such as Mike Evans, Kwon Alexander, Lavonte David, etc. Tampa Bay is dotted with future stars, and this year will finally be the year Winston erupts into stardom.

• The Texans backup running back should leap into the starting role, after feature back Lamar Miller struggled in 2017, averaging under 4 yards a carry. It's very possible the former Dolphin could be a cap casualty this, or next offseason.

• With the Seahawks clearly moving towards upgrading their offense, as they tear apart the Legion of Boom, a greater emphasis will be placed on Lockett, especially with the exodus of fellow receiving threats Jimmy Graham, and Paul Richardson. With a revamped offensive line, and a re-energized Russell Wilson, Lockett should be in for a career year.

• With Antonio Gates contemplating retirement, the succession plan is well established. Henry has already proved to be quite productive, despite splitting snaps with Chargers legend, and all time great Gates, and will only get a greater opportunity, as the Chargers' window of contention begins to open.

• While playing somewhat poorly in his rookie season, it would be likely the Broncos top pick last year will be moved to right tackle in 2018, and be slowly groomed to man the blindside, similar to the Eagles plan, regarding tackle Lane Johnson.

• Honorable Mentions - Trent Brown (49ers) and Rob Havenstein (Rams)

*OFFENSIVE GUARD*

Joel Bitonio

• Cleveland Browns

• 5th year (Drafted 35th overall in 2014)

• 26 years old

• Last offseason, the Browns added Pro-Bowlers Kevin Zeitler and J.C. Tretter, leading to a line of solid individual contributors, but, one that lacked chemistry, and continuity. As the revamped line heads into year 2, they will begin to mesh, allowing Bitonio to reach new heights in his game.

• After being moved to center just before opening day of 2017, Marpet will lock into his new position, as he heads into the new campaign. Near the end of last year, he began to look like an All-Pro manning the middle, and will look to continue his high level of play.

• Honorable Mentions - Justin Britt (Seahawks) and Ryan Kelly (Colts)

*DEFENSIVE END*

Emmanuel Ogbah

• Cleveland Browns

• 3rd Year (Drafted 32nd overall in 2016)

• 24 years old

• 2017 Stats - 29 Tackles, 4 Sacks

• The Browns formidable tandem of Ogbah and Garrett have hardly played together, thanks to injuries, to both the pass rushers last season. With the return of the 1st overall pick in 2017, Emmanuel should see less emphasis on him, as opposing offenses focus on Myles Garrett.

• With 2017 breakout star Jadaveon Clowney on one side, and returning all time great J.J. Watt on the other, Reader is poised to wreck havoc up the middle in 2018. The Texans elite front 7 will finally be at full strength, and they will feast on opposing QBs, and running backs.

• In 2018, the Jaguars mean to emulate the 2016 Cowboys, putting a massive emphasis on the run game, and clock management. This should keep their defense well rested, as Jack looks to improve upon his 1st fully healthy season, in 2017.

• With Anthony Hitchens exiting Dallas, and headed to the AFC, and Jaylon entering his sophomore year, he should take a huge step forward this year. He should be close to fully recovered from the nerve damage he suffered in his Bowl Game in 2016, back when he was in discussions to be the top prospect of that draft.

• Humphrey is the oft overlooked member of the 2017 draft class, that boasts star corners Tre'Davius White, Marshon Lattimore, and Adoree Jackson. After proving in a limited role, that he was deserving of the 16th overall pick, Humphrey should get to start in 2018.

• After a solid rookie campaign, that was coupled with Lamarcus Jouyners break out season, and the additions of Aqib Talib, and Marcus Peters, the Rams look poised to boast the next great defense, and possibly one of the greatest safety tandems in the past decade. With the additions of elite corners, Johnson should be able to focus more on his job, versus constantly observing subpar corners' mistakes.

• As the Jets enter year two of their massive roster overhaul, they are adding Trumaine Johnson to their young, growing secondary. Adams projects to be a future All-Pro, and should take a massive leap forward as he enters his sophomore season.